Article: With Hope of Contention Gone, What's Next?

[Jamie Cameron]

Twins twitter imploded this week. Finally transitioning from the mantra of all we need is the offense to click, to the season is over. It is.

 

The Twins are 11.5 games back of an improving Cleveland team which will win what is shaping up to be the worst division since realignment in 1994. Cleveland could conceivably win the AL Central by 25 games. The Twins are 18 games back of the second wild card and look set for their sixth 90-loss season in the last eight.

 

The Twins should enter the second half of the season with a single, pointed, and uniform organizational goal: To answer the questions: What do we have? and What do we need?Seth Stohs posed an interesting question on Twitter this week, asking Twins fans how to proportionally assign blame for the current state of the team between injuries/suspensions, player performance, front office, and managing. A stock practice of Twins fans and writers has been to build the term ‘young, talented core’ into recent Twins lexicon.

 

Young and talented they still are, but between injuries (Buxton, Sano), suspensions (Polanco), and under performance (Kepler) it’s hard for fans to be confident that the young troupe that formed the backbone of the epic stretch run in 2018 can replicate the same level of success with consistency, whether due to performance or an inability to stay on the field. With that in mind, here are some moves the Twins might make to find out what they have and what they need, heading into 2019.

 

Trade Deadline

There has been ample speculation on what the Twins should do at the deadline. I would be open to moving the following players:

 

Lance Lynn – one year signing. Has been pretty ineffective, will net a minimal return

 

Logan Morrison – see above.

 

Fernando Rodney/Zach Duke – One year bullpen signings who can help contenders. They should both be moved.

 

Eduardo Escobar – I love Escobar, if the price is right, I would move him, unless the Twins are confident of signing him to an extension or plan to give him a qualifying offer.

 

Brian Dozier – Expiring contract. Major disappointment who typically surges in the second half. Sell low option.

 

Catcher

Immediately DFA Brian Wilson, he is currently serving no purpose on the team. The organizational strategy at catcher currently is bizarre. Garver has hit well over the last month but is still on a 60-40 time share with Wilson. Is there reticence for Garver to catch over concerns about his defense? Possibly. The only way the Twins will figure out if Garver can be a mainstay at catcher is to play him.

 

Since Willians Astudillo has been promoted he’s played almost every position except catcher. This suggests that despite his legend growing from his no-look pick off in spring training, the Twins don’t see him as a viable option at catcher. If that’s true, find an alternative backup for Garver who plays every third night. Alternatively, keep Wilson if you want a higher draft pick.

 

Infield

The infield seems one of the murkiest positional groups with not a ton of big league-ready prospects for the second half of 2018. Jorge Polanco is back after an 80 game PED suspension. His second half performance will be worth watching closely to see if he can replicate his team-sparking heroics from the second half of 2017, in which he put together a .293/.359/.511 line with a 128 wRC+. Miguel Sano should be back with the Twins as soon as he figures his swing out, however long that takes. The Twins need to ensure that Sano is a viable long-term part of their big league plans moving into 2019.

 

After a wretched start, Ehire Adrianza has put up decent production at the plate and assuming his relatively swift return from a hamstring injury, is showing himself to be a consistent SS for the Twins (1 fWAR 2017, 0.5 fWAR 2018). If Escobar and Dozier are moved, Adrianza will likely play every day in the second half. He’s a solid utility infielder for the Twins moving forward.

 

A decent number of people have been calling for Nick Gordon from AAA Rochester. While Gordon still seems on track to be a solid every-day contributor, he’s struggled at AAA, managing a .233/.254/.331 line with a decreasing walk rate, increasing strikeout rate, and wRC+ of 59. None of this is incredibly surprising or unusual for a minor league hitter moving up a rung. If he turns it around and looks ready, the Twins should give him a shot. If not, there is no need to rush him. He has historically struggled in the minors in the second half of the season after getting off to torrid starts.

 

Outfield

Eddie Rosario has been an All-Star for the Twins in the first half of the season, nothing much to add here.

 

As soon as Byron Buxton begins hitting with consistency at Rochester, he should be back with the Twins. Buxton’s young career has been marred by injuries thus far. It’s much too early to give up on a player with his ability. The Twins will want him to get as many at-bats as possible in the second half.

 

Jake Cave has shown flashes of power and some solid play in CF since he has been given the nod over Pirates of the Caribbean extra Ryan LaMarre. Cave should see an extended run in the second half as he has the skill set to function as a backup outfielder for the Twins in 2019 and beyond.

 

Max Kepler is an interesting conundrum for the Twins. Having been up with the team full time since 2016, he has put up a wRC+ of 93 (2016), 92 (2017), and 86 (2018). Kepler is still young at 25, but there’s a decent chance he turns out to be a slightly less than average MLB hitter at this point. He’s still valuable, given his above-average play in right field and typically solidly base-running (with the exception of 2018, in which every Twin has forgotten how to run the bases). Kepler once seemed like a lock for an extension, now, I’m not so sure.

 

LaMonte Wade and Zack Granite are both worth consideration for major league playing time. Granite has struggled significantly this season. Wade has a very intriguing skill set, carrying an outstanding BB% throughout his minor league career. Currently at AAA Rochester, Wade has a .269/.404/.447 batting line with a wRC+ 145. His AAA OBP, SLG, and wRC+ are extremely consistent with his numbers throughout his minor league career. The Twins rank 23^rd in MLB in OBP (.308), so giving Wade a chance to see if he can get on base at the highest level seems worthwhile.

 

Starters

Fernando Romero should be back with the Twins in the second half, albeit with an innings limit. Anyone concerned with Romero’s recent big-league mediocrity should be reminded of the 58 innings Jose Berrios threw in 2016 to the tune of an 8.02 ERA, 6.20 FIP, and 5.40 BB/9. Romero has looked good overall with the Twins this year. The team should do whatever it can to get him more major league experience.

 

Ervin Santana may return to the team in the second half of the season. Whether he does or does not, he will not be a Twin in 2019. Assuming Lance Lynn is traded (and possibly Kyle Gibson), the Twins will have an open rotation spot for portions of the second half of the season. The Twins should give Zack Littell, Adalberto Mejia, Stephen Gonsalves, and Aaron Slegers whatever unfilled starts remain in the second half and see who rises to the occasion. You’d like to think the Twins have two back end starters in this group to compeiment Berrios, Romero and Odorizzi in 2019.

 

Bullpen

DFA Matt Belisle immediately. He will not contribute to the Twins in 2019 and does not help you assess your current talent or future needs. Assuming the Twins trade Fernando Rodney and Zach Duke, they will have at least 2-3 bullpen spots to play with in the second half. I’d move Pressley into the closer role. Despite a recent rocky stretch, he has a FIP of 3.08, a K/9 of 13.28, and until recently, looked to be in contention for an All-Star spot. Continue to use Hildenberger and Reed in higher leverage situations (when Reed is back on track).

 

In 2014, the Twins drafted a bullpen between rounds 2-5. The organization has a slew of AAA arms they need to assess to determine if they can help the big league pen moving forwards. John Curtiss, Jake Reed, Luke Bard, Alan Busenitz, and Gabriel Moya should all see significant big league time in the second half of the season. All of these names have at least some upside, and have either been blocked from the majors, or given 4-5 innings with the Twins at a time, which is no way to establish what they are capable of at the big league level.

 

September Call-Ups

The Twins should use September call-ups to give some of their prospects some major league experience. Potentially, Nick Gordon and Brent Rooker are names which stand out here. After a slow start, Rooker is heating up. He’s now hit 14 HR, and slugged .503 at AA Chattanooga, with a 127 wRC+. If he keeps mashing in the second half, the Twins should get a look at their future LF/1B/DH. Anyone who has a chance to make the big league club in 2019 should get a shot this fall with the Twins, hopefully decreasing their need to adjust when they are called up permanently.

 

Extensions

The final implication for the Twins 2018 second half is extensions. Prior to the 2018 season, it could have been argued that Rosario, Kepler, Buxton, Sano and Berrios were all extension candidates. Where would you focus your attention now? I would attempt to lock up Rosario and Berrios, who have both excelled this season, in addition to Buxton as a ‘buy low’ option on an extension.

 

It remains to be seen where the Twins will end up this season. After an incredibly disappointing first half of 2018, it’s time to put this year behind us, and look toward 2019 and beyond.

 

What are the moves you think the Twins should make at the deadline? Who are players in the minors you would most like to see in the second half of 2018? Who are the players in the Twins young core you’d like to see the organization extend?

 

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[yarnivek1972]

I don’t think anyone considers Garver a “mainstay”. Maybe as a back up. His defense is well below average. His offense isn’t good enough to make up for it to justify an everyday role. Nor is it good enough to justify taking others out of the lineup (well, THIS year it would be) to play him at 1b or dh or elsewhere.

 

A multi-year controllable catcher should definitely be a primary target when trades are made. I have no illusions of coming away with a star catcher with the pieces the Twins will likely try to move. That’s not really what my ideal candidate would be. I want a good, not necesarily great, defensive catcher that can positively contribute offensively. Basically, the 2017 version of Jason Castro.

[Brandon]

Do the Twins need the extra 40 man spot for prospects to shield from the rule 5 draft?  if so then Rooker won't get called up as he doesn't need to be on the 40 man for a while.  

 

I would like to see him called up though.  I just think roster management will come into play.  

 

I think we are now in line for the 7th or 8th pick in the draft next year.  we may as well keep the veteran fill-ins for a while longer to ensure we can at least succeed in the race to the bottom.  

 

Also i want to see the front office sign Escobar to an extention if he is interested.  I think this FO is too preoccupied with cashflow and needs to have some stability in players.  with no money on the books if that becomes their MO then players will not want to stay around without some stability. 

[rdehring]

One of the more rational reviews of the situation I have seen, thanks.

 

Like Brandon, I question whether Rooker will be added to the 40-man as that would eliminate Player X from being added come November.  On the other hand, as you point out, if it is 50/50 that he will be on this team next April the experience would be invaluable.

 

Finally, I question bringing up young relievers.  Will they be used?  Or will the other 5 or 6 just assume all the bullpen innings until their arms fall off?

 

Thanks again, really enjoyed reading this article.

[mattk]

DFA Brian Wilson? What, now you don't like the Beach Boys?

[Mike Sixel]

 

Do the Twins need the extra 40 man spot for prospects to shield from the rule 5 draft?  if so then Rooker won't get called up as he doesn't need to be on the 40 man for a while.  

 

I would like to see him called up though.  I just think roster management will come into play.  

 

I think we are now in line for the 7th or 8th pick in the draft next year.  we may as well keep the veteran fill-ins for a while longer to ensure we can at least succeed in the race to the bottom.  

 

Also i want to see the front office sign Escobar to an extention if he is interested.  I think this FO is too preoccupied with cashflow and needs to have some stability in players.  with no money on the books if that becomes their MO then players will not want to stay around without some stability. 

 

No. they won't even call some of them up to replace Belisle....how good can they be? Every year people worry about the 40 man, and every year they don't lose anyone that really matters ....

 

Granite is expendable, if you trust Cave and Wade at all. That's an easy one.

 

But me? I promote Rooker to AAA now, and don't worry about the majors until he shows he can do AAA

[terrydactyls]

1. Play Garver as often as he can physically get behind the plate for the remainder of 2018. If he provs that he cannot be the primary catcher in 2019, then go into the off season with acquiring a tier 1 catcher as the top priority.

 

2. Bring up as many bullpen arms as possible and use them to see if they are viable next year.

 

3. Extend Rosario and Berrios for whatever it costs.

 

4. Extend Buxton if he can be signed reasonably.

 

5. DFA Grossman, Wilson, and Belisle this afternoon.

 

6. Start thinking about who will replace Molitor this off season.

 

7. Lower beer prices (oops, got carried away).

[twins_89]

What I'd like to see for the rest of the season is some extended chances for a number of pitchers at AAA. The Twins need to trade Lynn and give a shot to Romero, Mejia, Gonsalves, Sledgers, and Littell where they get at least get 5-10 starts before being sent back down. Similarly in the bullpen I'd trade Rodney and Duke (and waive Belisle) and give real month long opportunities to May, Busenitz, Curtis, Duffey, Moya, and Bard.

[rdehring]

 

No. they won't even call some of them up to replace Belisle....how good can they be? Every year people worry about the 40 man, and every year they don't lose anyone that really matters ....

 

Granite is expendable, if you trust Cave and Wade at all. That's an easy one.

 

But me? I promote Rooker to AAA now, and don't worry about the majors until he shows he can do AAA

Agree that most years there are several prospects many of us fear losing and they aren't selected.  However, just last year we lost Chargois, Bard and Burdi.  Bard came back, but Burdi was stashed on the 60-day DL.  Chargois has been effective with the Dodgers and could have helped this bullpen...should they have used him.

 

When I look at the players available this November, I question if they will have enough room to protect all that are real prospects. Thus, the concern for adding Rooker later this year...although I will agree the experience would be valuable.

Edited July 6, 2018 by rdehring

[yarnivek1972]

I guess if I am Derek Falvey, I put all my chips on the table for 2019.

 

That means banking on big turnarounds (and health) from Sano AND Buxton.

 

That means keeping (and extending or QOing) Escobar and Dozier. If they still leave, so be it.But, I definitely QO both. Probably not going to get a much better prospect for either in return anyway.

 

Keep Reed and Gibson. Possibly look at extending Gibson. At least feel him out.

 

That doesn't leave much in terms of tradeable assets, I know. Rodney, Duke, Odorizzi and Lynn is about it. None of whom will fetch much, certainly nothing likely to be useful in 2019.

 

 

Get the guys that need to be evaluated as possible contributors in 2019 up here and in games. Obviously, that becomes complicated if the Twins don't trade Escobar or Dozier, but I don't think so. There is still a DH spot for someone.

 

I don't think Dozier would accept the QO, Escobar probably will. Meaning there is still an infield opening. Maybe that's Sano. Maybe it is some combination of Gordon, Adrianza and Austudillo.

 

 

I think Mauer retires. I just don't see him being able to play everyday and in this era of 13 man pitching staffs there is no way a team can carry two guys that essentially only play first base.

 

So, what does "my" August 30th roster look like?

 

sp Berrios

sp Romero (depending on IP)

sp Gibson

sp Mejia

sp Santana?

sp ALT1 Slegers

sp ALT2 Littell

 

cl Reed

rp Pressly

rp Rogers

rp Hildenberger

rp Moya

rp Busenitz

rp May

rp Curtiss

rp ALT1 Bard

rp ALT2 Littell

rp ALT3 Duffey

 

c Garver

c Austudillo

 

1b Mauer

2b Dozier

3b Escobar

ss Polanco

lf Rosario

cf Buxton

rf Kepler

dh Sano

if/of Adrianza

of Cave

 

 

I don't suspect Mauer or Dozier will play much in September. Maybe 3 starts a week. As for Erv, if he does somehow manage to make it back this year, I think it would be a nice gesture for the Twins to allow him to take his turn every 5th day to showcase himself for his next contract.

 

September call ups:

 

Gonsalves

Gordon

whoever is next in line as a catcher to allow Austudillo to play a super sub role in September.

 

 

Of course, the success of this all banks on Sano and Buxton. If they don't come through next year, the Twins basically will be starting at square one around Berrios, Romero, Gordon, Rooker and maybe Rosario.

Edited July 6, 2018 by yarnivek1972

[jimbo92107]

DFA Wilson, LoMo and Belisle. Bring up Navarro, Rooker and Busenitz. Then play musical roster spots with half the pitchers in AAA, plus Gordon and Wade.

[curt1965]

I agree-terrific article.

Here are the things I would consider. First, implement terry1947’s option #5. Immediately, as suggested. Wilson will have my eternal admiration for how he handled that heat situation in Chicago. But, really, 9 for 79? .114 average? As a major league player?

If Garver is so terrible behind the plate, tell him how he needs to improve and PLAY him!

How can he improve if he sits and watches? What’s the worse that can happen?

More losses?? That’s hilarious! The season is gone- we needed some answers for 2019 and beyond. I might understand if our pitching staff was comprised entirely of rookies, but that is hardly the case.

I’d pitch Gonsalves for the same reasons. He has been mostly good at Rochester, but has had a few stinkers. He also has seen Slegers, Romero, Littel, and Mejia called up ahead of him. Personality or performance problems with him? I think it is unfair to bring him up in September and give him 4 starts and base those stats on whether he is a factor in 2019. I think you can tell a lot about a player when he fails........(if that happens).

Finally, please.......let’s not look for scenarios when the Twins trade for Realmuto or anyone else! When is the last time the Twins made a deal like that for a good/great player in their prime? (Answer-never)Plus, right now, Minnesota is not a destination town for any stars.

Edited July 6, 2018 by curt1965

[Brandon]

1. Play Garver as often as he can physically get behind the plate for the remainder of 2018. If he provs that he cannot be the primary catcher in 2019, then go into the off season with acquiring a tier 1 catcher as the top priority.2. Bring up as many bullpen arms as possible and use them to see if they are viable next year.3. Extend Rosario and Berrios for whatever it costs.4. Extend Buxton if he can be signed reasonably.5. DFA Grossman, Wilson, and Belisle this afternoon.6. Start thinking about who will replace Molitor this off season.7. Lower beer prices (oops, got carried away).

Maybe they can add a bigger selection of craft brews at domestic beer prices

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

DFA Brian Wilson? What, now you don't like the Beach Boys?

 

No, s/he doesn't like the 2010 Giants.

[Platoon]

Since I don't think there is any chance of Molitor being fired, the following is conceptual at best. Knowing it will be almost impossible for Falvine to fire Molitor anyway, I would tell him that here's the deal: We are in analytical mode. We will supply the roster with The players we want analyzed. You will play them. Do that and your won lost record is irrelevant. Don't do it, and we will move heaven and earth to see you to the door. Again, my first, second and third choice is to see him simply gone. Preferably before the ASG. But that ain't gonna happen folks.

[yarnivek1972]

Regarding Molitor, I think I stated my "should be" scenario some time ago.

 

Basically, if I'm Falvey, I sit down with Jim Pohlad and say, "Well, we tried it with your guy, and here we are. Again.

 

So, decision time sir. Him or me."

[by jiminy]

I just want to step back a second from the assumption that the season is over, and the games are meaningless, once we are out of the playoff hunt. You know what? They are all meaningless! It's a game! And games are for fun!

 

You don't have to win the World Series to enjoy baseball. It's also fun to win GAMES! Every game counts!

 

If the Twins' young hitters rebounded in the second half, and we won more games than we lost the rest of the way out, I would not say, who cares, it's too late, these games give me no joy because we are too far out of it for them to mean anything. I would go, yeah! We are winning again, and I like it! I'd have happy thoughts, like, I knew it! This team isn't as bad as looked. The awesome young core is back! Maybe we are not as far off as we thought! Maybe we were right all along -- this team could make some noise, once people get back from injuries, and live up to their potential! What would be bad about that???

 

No question, it was much more fun last year when those games were part of a pennant race.  The chance to knock the Yankees out of the playoffs gave them ten times more awesomeness. 

 

But was last year a failure because we flopped in the playoffs? It sucked, but we had a good ride! Remember how astonishing it was to have all our players hitting at once? 

 

That's why it was so hard this year when it stopped (except for the Eds). It would be a huge relief to me to see that wasn't a flash in a pan, and all that hitting talent is still there, waiting to explode!

 

Personally I would be thrilled to watch Buxton, Sano, Kepler, and Polanco tear it up in the second half again, even in "meaningless games."

 

Which is not to say, don't ditch the veterans who won't be here next year anyway, they are just clogging the way for the young people from reaching their potential. Is Litell, Mejia, Slegers, or Gonsalves more likely to make it into a playoff rotation? Maybe now is the time to find out! (As long as you don't short-circuit the development needed to reach their potential, of course.)

 

But Belisle and LoMo wouldn't be missed. Same for the good rentals, like Lynn, Rodney, Duke -- I have no sentimental attachment to them, so by all means, trade them for someone who might help next year, and see what the AAA guys got. 

 

But unless we got something of real, significant value for Dozier and Escobar, I'd rather see them play out the string, and maybe help the team  have a second half worthy of our pre-season expectations. Wouldn't it be fun to finally see that lineup of Mauer, Dozier, Polanco, Rosario, Escobar, Buxton, and Sano firing on all cylindars?

 

I agree there's no point watching old guys who won't be here next year win an occasional game. But trading off every veteran for pennies on the dollar, and slogging through a depressing second half with AAAA players, would not be fun either. I'd still like to see a good team, based on a core of players we can imagine growing into a contender. So if keeping a half dozen veterans around puts them over .500 in the second half, I'm fine with that, too.

 

I'm just saying, every win between now and October is a real, live win, a genuine victory. You have every right to celebrate winning GAMES, not just championships. Let's not lose sight of that. I'm all for dreaming about the potential of a glorious future, too--that's part of what makes little successes fun. I just don't think we should devalue good things that happen this year because we won't also win a championship. Take what you can get. The first half sucked -- but maybe the second half won't!

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

 

I just want to step back a second from the assumption that the season is over, and the games are meaningless, once we are out of the playoff hunt. You know what? They are all meaningless! It's a game! And games are for fun!

 

You don't have to win the World Series to enjoy baseball. It's also fun to win GAMES! Every game counts!

 

If the Twins' young hitters rebounded in the second half, and we won more games than we lost the rest of the way out, I would not say, who cares, it's too late, these games give me no joy because we are too far out of it for them to mean anything. I would go, yeah! We are winning again, and I like it! I'd have happy thoughts, like, I knew it! This team isn't as bad as looked. The awesome young core is back! Maybe we are not as far off as we thought! Maybe we were right all along -- this team could make some noise, once people get back from injuries, and live up to their potential! What would be bad about that???

 

No question, it was much more fun last year when those games were part of a pennant race.  The chance to knock the Yankees out of the playoffs gave them ten times more awesomeness. 

 

But was last year a failure because we flopped in the playoffs? It sucked, but we had a good ride! Remember how astonishing it was to have all our players hitting at once? 

 

That's why it was so hard this year when it stopped (except for the Eds). It would be a huge relief to me to see that wasn't a flash in a pan, and all that hitting talent is still there, waiting to explode!

 

Personally I would be thrilled to watch Buxton, Sano, Kepler, and Polanco tear it up in the second half again, even in "meaningless games."

 

Which is not to say, don't ditch the veterans who won't be here next year anyway, they are just clogging the way for the young people from reaching their potential. Is Litell, Mejia, Slegers, or Gonsalves more likely to make it into a playoff rotation? Maybe now is the time to find out! (As long as you don't short-circuit the development needed to reach their potential, of course.)

 

But Belisle and LoMo wouldn't be missed. Same for the good rentals, like Lynn, Rodney, Duke -- I have no sentimental attachment to them, so by all means, trade them for someone who might help next year, and see what the AAA guys got. 

 

But unless we got something of real, significant value for Dozier and Escobar, I'd rather see them play out the string, and maybe help the team  have a second half worthy of our pre-season expectations. Wouldn't it be fun to finally see that lineup of Mauer, Dozier, Polanco, Rosario, Escobar, Buxton, and Sano firing on all cylindars?

 

I agree there's no point watching old guys who won't be here next year win an occasional game. But trading off every veteran for pennies on the dollar, and slogging through a depressing second half with AAAA players, would not be fun either. I'd still like to see a good team, based on a core of players we can imagine growing into a contender. So if keeping a half dozen veterans around puts them over .500 in the second half, I'm fine with that, too.

 

I'm just saying, every win between now and October is a real, live win, a genuine victory. You have every right to celebrate winning GAMES, not just championships. Let's not lose sight of that. I'm all for dreaming about the potential of a glorious future, too--that's part of what makes little successes fun. I just don't think we should devalue good things that happen this year because we won't also win a championship. Take what you can get. The first half sucked -- but maybe the second half won't!

 

I don't agree with all of this, but it is very well written! And I understand the feelings well.

[mikelink45]

 

What I'd like to see for the rest of the season is some extended chances for a number of pitchers at AAA. The Twins need to trade Lynn and give a shot to Romero, Mejia, Gonsalves, Sledgers, and Littell where they get at least get 5-10 starts before being sent back down. Similarly in the bullpen I'd trade Rodney and Duke (and waive Belisle) and give real month long opportunities to May, Busenitz, Curtis, Duffey, Moya, and Bard.

You stole my post!  Glad you beat me to it.  I will add to trade Odorizzi and if Santana comes back move him too.  This is audition time and at least it gives fans something to watch and cheer for.

 

[mikelink45]

It is important to say that putting the young arms in the rotation and the BP is not giving up, nor is it tanking.  Lynn, LOMO, and others have already taken care of that.  Give us some excitement!  For that reason I am ready to say thanks and good-bye to Mauer too.  Mauer is a solo player - no enthusiasm, no visible energy.  It is time to recognize what he was, but not be fooled by what he is.

 

The real question to ponder is this - what if Buxton, Sano and Kepler are as good as they are going to get?  What if none of them meets our expectations?  Through the 90 loss seasons we said wait until they get here.  Now in another 90 loss season we say wait until they get back.   What is, when is the payoff?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

 

Catcher

Immediately DFA Brian Wilson, he is currently serving no purpose on the team. The organizational strategy at catcher currently is bizarre. Garver has hit well over the last month but is still on a 60-40 time share with Wilson. Is there reticence for Garver to catch over concerns about his defense? Possibly. The only way the Twins will figure out if Garver can be a mainstay at catcher is to play him.

 

Since Willians Astudillo has been promoted he’s played almost every position except catcher. This suggests that despite his legend growing from his no-look pick off in spring training, the Twins don’t see him as a viable option at catcher. If that’s true, find an alternative backup for Garver who plays every third night. Alternatively, keep Wilson if you want a higher draft pick.

 

 

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Yeah DFA Brian Wilson, we don’t need his good, good, good....good vibrations when we’re this down in the dumps.

 

DFA Bobby Wilson while your at it, he can’t hit fer crap!

[DocBauer]

Great post! And a lot of really good comments! Going to try to hit all positions quickly and directly:

 

ROTATION:

 

Trade Lynn for best prospects(s) you can get. Keep the Rochester shuttle moving, employee a variable 6 man rotation maybe, and get Romero, Slegers, Mejia and Littell as many opportunities as possible.

 

Not sure a 100% healthy Santana is gone for sure. Could receive a low 1 year offer with incentives with ML invite. But the kids need to pitch!

 

BULLPEN:

 

Trade Rodney and Duke. Cut ties with Belisle. Audition the kids and keep that AAA shuttle going. Some of the young starters can pitch out of the pen between starts, hence part of the 6 man rotation.

 

CATCHER:

 

Not sure how to address this, really. But for now, get rid of Wilson and let Garver play. He calls a good game. There is potential with his bat. How will you ever know what he can do or become sitting him for a 34/35 vet who can barely hit above .100?

 

Austadillo COULD be a decent 25th man. But he can catch, at least a little. How about seeing how well? What's he going to do, lose games for you?

 

INFIELD:

 

Keep Escobar and re-sign him. Let's not be silly here! Trade Dozier for what you can. Since Gordon has to be added to the 40 man anyway, give him a taste. He may not be ready yet, but it might give him something to build on.

 

Don't know what Joe will want to do, or if he's cooked, but keep playing him to see if 2017 and the first half of this season is for real. He's auditioning for himself, and the organization.

 

OUTFIELD:

 

Keep playing Kepler and working with him! Young and talented, pretty much skipped AAA, loads of potential, and really, started a step back of most HS age players considering his background.

 

Might be time to just move on from Grossman. Keep playing Cave. There is potential there as a useful piece. Not convinced Wade is ready, but see Gordon comments above.

 

Excited about Rooker and his potential. And I'd like him to see even a little AAA time to get ready for 2019. But he literally has just over 1 year or pro experience at this point. And with 40 man roster decisions to be made, I'd hesitate a ML audition at this point.

[Kelly Vance]

 

It is important to say that putting the young arms in the rotation and the BP is not giving up, nor is it tanking.  Lynn, LOMO, and others have already taken care of that.  Give us some excitement!  For that reason I am ready to say thanks and good-bye to Mauer too.  Mauer is a solo player - no enthusiasm, no visible energy.  It is time to recognize what he was, but not be fooled by what he is.

 

The real question to ponder is this - what if Buxton, Sano and Kepler are as good as they are going to get?  What if none of them meets our expectations?  Through the 90 loss seasons we said wait until they get here.  Now in another 90 loss season we say wait until they get back.   What is, when is the payoff?

Hang in there. Mauer is past his prime, but he is family and if he wants to play next year, he will. Leadershipwise, he is not a rah rah guy. But neither was Lou Gehrig. Give him some room.

 

I think the rest of the year we identify who we want to go to battle with going forward. Eddie and Eddie and Buck, and Keps and Miggy and Joe.... Polanco and Gordon or Doze... doesn't seem as critical. We got middle infielders. 

 

I'm not worried.

 

Guys this is only baseball. It is the  national pastime, not the national obsession

[TwinsTerritory]

I believe the Twins can compete in 2019 and need to plan accordingly.  

 

1. Trade Dozier, Lynn, Duke, Morrison, and Rodney for whatever you can get.

 

2. Listen to offers on Gibson, Escobar, and Pressley, but only trade if you get blown away by an offer.

 

3. DFA Grossman, Wilson, and Belisle.

 

4. Replace traded/DFA players with guys on the 40-man that may contribute in 2019.

     Dozier=Gordon

     Lynn=Romero

     Duke=Moya

     Morrison=Sano

     Rodney=Curtiss

     Grossman=Buxton

     Wilson=Adrianza

     Belisle=Busentiz

 

5. Attempt to extend Rosario, Berrios, & Buxton (if the price is right).  I would also consider extending Gibson if the price is reasonable.

 

6. Call up Granite, Thorpe, Gonsalves, Little, May, Moya.  Basically anyone on the 40 that  has a future.

 

7. Sign a couple guys in the offseason and hope that Buxton, Sano, etc. figure it out because otherwise you'll be looking for a new job in two years.

 

[killertwinfan]

This team has not played smart all year.  Everyone seems to take a turn, BUT, Garver is leading the pack in knuckle-headed plays.  Unless he hits much closer to .300 with a little power there is no need to consider him as anything more than a backup.  When you look at what we have in the pipeline at the catcher position it's embarrassing.  Rortvedt is at least 3 years away and I am not sure there is anyone else to talk about.  Hopefully we can pick up some talent at this position with trades.  We should be looking for value and the only untouchables should be Berrios, Rosario and Buxton. Otherwise if we can make deal that improves this team for next year, do it.  The sad part is I am not sure there are many options for our players to bring a talent that will help us next year.  

[scottz]

I think the likeliest trade is Lynn. He is a known commodity and has been solid since his terrible start. Santana isn’t going anywhere, unless he comes back and makes several good starts with a hiccup. That means August deadline, not July, if it happens at all. I don’t think anyone offers enough for Gibson to be traded, and I’m ok with that. He has been a good piece to have for a year now. I think you run Slegers and Mejia out there now, and Gonsalves and Littell in September. If anyone wants Rodney or Duke, you say yes. If Belisle’s mom calls and asks to trade for him, say yes. Otherwise, pay him the rest of his money and tell him to buy the most comfortable couch on the market.

 

If anyone inquires about Dozier or Lomo you say yes. If anyone asks about Escobar, you ask for a lot and give him a QO if he’s still around at the end of the year unless you can sign him for a reasonable 2-3 year deal. If anybody asks about Buxton, you think real hard, but say no. He will figure it out sometime next year. If anybody asks about Sano, you say no. He will be a full beast next year or maybe even August.

 

It sure would be nice if they didn’t lose until after the All Star break and make everyone complain when we still do the right thing and makes some trades.

[Doctor Wu]

At this rate I think it's more likely that we see the return of Johan Santana before we see Ervin Santana,

[Doctor Wu]

I would think that Lance Lynn might end up being our most valuable trade chip. It seems to me that a contending club in need of another solid starting pitcher (albeit, one that can't seem to pitch more than 5 or 6 innings at a time) would grab him.

[Doctor Wu]

I'm hoping that Dozier catches fire this month and some team will take a gamble on him  having another torrid second half, along with the "veteran leadership" factor. But which contending team might be needing a second baseman down the stretch? Someone mentioned the Mariners, who are without Cano for the time being (and who would be ineligible for the playoffs even after he comes back), but I can't think of any other team off the top of my head.

[nclahammer]

Very well written and thought out article.  The top of my priority list for contract extensions is Eduardo Escobar, I'm picturing him as our starting 3B in 2019 with Miguel Sano switching to 1B with Joe Mauer either retiring or not being offered a contract.   I agree on giving Mitch Garver more time behind the plate to work on his defensive, Bobby Wilson .115 BA is too painful to watch try ti hit, and let Astudillo share some reps behind the plate and see what he's got.  With the return of Buxton and Sano imminent, and the improvement in Jake Cave, we may be seeing the end of the Robbie Grossman era in Minnesota as we know it.  Lynn and Duke will be on the move for sure but I can't see much other than that.  I'm very curious (and optimistic) to see what the Twins line-up does once the reset button is hit with Buxton and Sano in it.